Aminulrasyid Amzah’s family lawyer today slammed police for not bothering to inform them that a policemen was to be charged for the fatal shooting of the 14-year-old schoolboy.
“We are appalled that neither the police nor the Attorney-General’s Chambers had kept the family or their lawyers informed that a suspect was going to be charged today,” lawyer N. Surendran said.
He said that police and the AG had failed to realise that Aminulrasyid and his family were victims in the case and had the right to be kept informed about developments.
“Why all the secrecy?” he asked.
He also asked why no other policemen were charged for aiding and abetting the corporal accused of the killing.
He added that the police had ignored allegations by Azamuddin Omar that he was assaulted by no fewer than five policemen, while another had nearly opened fire on him as he was fleeing the scene.
The 15-year-old was in the car with Aminulrasyid when the latter was shot, and later disputed official accounts of what happened that night.
Surendran has previously called for a separate investigation for the attempted murder and assault of the key-witness in the case.
He said investigations should also be conducted into the attempted “perversion of justice” and possible “fabrication of evidence” in the case.
While authorities may have vindicated Aminulrasyid by charging a suspect, there was no excuse for labeling him and Azamuddin criminals in the press immediately after the shooting, he said.
Police also said they had found a parang in the Proton Iswara which belonged to Aminulrasyid’s elder sister but this claim has been disputed by his family.
By charging the suspect police have by default disputed their own accounts that the Form Three student had attempted to ram them, by reversing his car, which lead them to open fire in self-defence, Surendran said.
“Yet, they have failed to issue any apology,” he concluded.
When contacted, family members confirmed they had been kept in the dark over the decision to charge a policeman for the shooting.
Aminulrasyid’s uncle Kamarudin Hassan told The Malaysian Insider that he was only informed by Surendran that someone was charged in court today but had no other details.
“We don’t know anything, so how can we comment,” he said, adding that police had not told the family anything.
Police corporal Jenain Subi was charged today for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The 48-year-old Sabahan pleaded not guilty to the charge which carries a penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
The case was initially classified as murder and four policemen were transferred to desk duty, following the fatal shooting on April 26.
Kamarudin said his family would meet lawyers tonight to get a clearer picture before deciding if they should take further action.
He did not elaborate.
Aminulrasyid’s cousin, who only wanted to be know as Shan, also said it was too early to offer a reaction, when asked if they were satisfied with action taken against the policeman.
He said the the family would have a discussion before they issue any statement.
